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The winners of the 2025 Lion Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards for Excellence were announced on Wednesday night at a sold-out black-tie event held at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Peekaboo Backyard Eatery was the night’s standout winner, taking home the Supreme Award as well as Best Café and the Sustainability Champion Award. The People’s Choice Award was won once again by the Richmond Club, reflecting strong public support.
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Steve Armitage says the awards recognise businesses that have demonstrated passion, innovation, and leadership in a challenging environment.
“These awards come at an important time for hospitality in New Zealand. Operators up and down the country are working incredibly hard day-to-day and week-to-week – the businesses honoured tonight encapsulate this work ethic, reflecting the strength and creativity that is helping the sector move forward,” Steve says.
He added that recognising venues like Peekaboo Eatery highlight a growing trend in the industry towards more sustainable and customer-centric business practices. “This balance is essential for the future success of hospitality and accommodation providers across the country.”
Daniel Fasnacht, Peekaboo Eatery owner, says the recognition was especially meaningful because it reflects the experience they aim to create for their customers. It’s not just about great food and service.
“It’s about making sure everything we do contributes in a positive way to our isolated Kaitaia community, and creates a healthier environment. Knowing our efforts are appreciated motivates us to keep doing more for the people who support us,” he says.
“Kaitaia has had a hard time for the last few years, so to be recognised at a national level is such an honour”.
Lion New Zealand managing director Craig Baldie congratulated all the winners and finalists, reflecting on the important role hospitality plays in New Zealand’s economy and communities.
“The hospitality sector is constantly evolving, and these awards highlight the passion and dedication of the businesses at the heart of it. Lion is proud to support the Business Awards for Excellence and to celebrate the contributions these operators make in their regions.
“Even in a tough economy, the innovation and commitment we see here tonight are reasons to be optimistic about the future of hospitality in New Zealand,” he says.
The Business Awards for Excellence close out the two-day HNZ25 Conference, held June 10-11 in Wellington.
Full list of winners:
- Best Destination Venue – Schnappa Rock Restaurant
- Best Local – The Keg Room
- Best Gaming Venue – The Tote
- Best Entertainment Venue – Wynyard Pavilion
- Best Bar – The Freeport with Cleaver & Co
- Best Café – Peekaboo Backyard Eatery
- Best Restaurant – Sherwood Queenstown
- Best Hotel – QT Auckland
- Best Motel – Whangaparaoa Lodge
- Best Accommodation Provider (non hotel/motel) – Craggy Range
- Sustainability Champion Award – Peekaboo Backyard Eatery
- Supreme Winner – Peekaboo Backyard Eatery
- People’s Choice Award – Richmond Club
- Hall of Fame Inductee – Reg Hennessy
